Wipes with foam

ABSTRACT

A dispensing apparatus for providing a web for cleansing, the apparatus comprising a web, a liquor reservoir, a liquor actuator for applying liquor from the reservoir to the web at a predetermined location and an air actuator for directing air through the web at the predetermined location so as to generate foam from the liquor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dispensing apparatus for providing a web for cleansing, and a method of providing a web for cleansing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to use disposable wipes or towels for cleaning purposes, e.g. for cleaning a user's hands. It is also known to dispense such wipes impregnated with a cleansing liquid or liquor such as detergent, so as to facilitate cleaning. However, storing such pre-moistened wipes can be difficult, as the liquor evaporates and the wipes can dry out before being used. Sealing the wipe storage container can inhibit this. However, sealing such a container can be disadvantageous, especially if wipes are to be dispensed by the user, as hands which have not yet been cleaned must be used to obtain a wipe from the container.

It is therefore known to apply a cleansing liquor to a wipe as the wipe is to be used, e.g. with a spraying mechanism or suchlike. However, an excess of liquor is often used in order to ensure sufficient moistening of the wipe, leading to wastage.

It is therefore preferable to use a foamed cleansing liquor to moisten a wipe. It is easier to apply the optimum amount of liquor to the wipe when it is foamed, leading to a more even coverage of the wipe and reducing mess and wastage.

An additional benefit of creating a foam upon the surface of the wipe is experienced as the wipe is used, as cleaning products delivered in a foam format spread more easily across the surface onto which they are being applied. A further advantage is that foam is aesthetically pleasing to the end user.

However, applying a foamed liquor to a wipe requires additional foam-generating components, increasing the cost and complexity of the dispenser.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a dispensing apparatus for providing a web for cleansing, the apparatus comprising a web, a liquor reservoir, a liquor actuator for applying liquor from the reservoir to the web at a predetermined location and an air actuator for directing air through the web at the predetermined location so as to generate foam from the liquor.

Generating foam at the web avoids the need for additional foam-generating components within the dispenser, reducing complexity of the product and reducing cost.

The apparatus may further comprise a liquor outlet through which liquor is applied to the web and a separate air outlet through which air is directed through the web. Air can thus easily be directed through the web once liquor has been applied.

Alternatively, the apparatus may further comprise an outlet through which liquor is applied to the web and air is directed through the web. A single outlet for liquor and air allows the liquor to be mixed with air prior to application to the web, and foam to be generated in a single step.

The ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web may be between 1:4 and 1:50. The ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web may be between 1:8 and 1:16. This ratio leads to a suitable strength of foam.

The apparatus may further comprise an activation mechanism configured to operate the liquor actuator and the air actuator. The apparatus may further comprise a feed mechanism configured to feed the web through the apparatus, wherein the activation mechanism is configured to operate the feed mechanism, and wherein the activation mechanism is configured to actuate generation of foam substantially simultaneously to web feed. Using the same activation mechanism for the web feed and the liquor and air actuators makes dispensing easy to synchronise and reduces the number of components required.

The predetermined location may not extend over the whole of the web. The predetermined location may be substantially towards the centre of the web, such that the web has a dry perimeter where foam is not generated. This improves ease of use of the web, as it can be grasped by the dry perimeter or other dry area.

The apparatus may further comprise a reel of web material from which the web is fed. This is a simple and effective method of supplying web material that allows web to be drawn off as required.

The apparatus may further comprise a cutting mechanism configured to cut a predetermined length of web. The web can be severed at a desired length.

The web may be fed from a reel and the cutting mechanism may be located beyond the or each outlet in the direction of movement of the web. The web is thus severed from the reel after foam has been generated. The web being attached to the reel can aid in keeping the web in the optimal position whilst foam is generated.

The cutting mechanism comprising a corresponding pair of blades positioned either side of the web. This is a simple and effective cutting mechanism.

The apparatus may further comprise an activation mechanism configured to operate the liquor actuator and the air actuator, and the cutting mechanism may be operated by the activation mechanism. Again, using the same activation mechanism for the cutting mechanism and the liquor and air actuators makes dispensing easy to synchronise and reduces the number of components required.

There is further provided a method of providing a web for cleansing, comprising the steps of:

-   -   a) providing a web;     -   b) applying a liquor to the web at a predetermined location; and     -   c) directing air through the web at the predetermined location         so as to generate foam from the liquor.

Generating foam at the web avoids the need for additional foam-generating components within the dispenser, reducing complexity of the product and reducing cost.

Steps b) and c) may take place substantially concurrently. This allows the liquor to be mixed with air prior to application to the web, and foam to be generated in a single step.

The ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web may be between 1:4 and 1:50. The ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web may be between 1:8 and 1:16. This ratio leads to a suitable strength of foam.

The method may further comprise the steps of:

-   -   d) feeding the web through a cutting mechanism; and     -   e) cutting a predetermined length of web.

The web can thus be severed at a desired length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a dispensing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention at a first stage of dispensing;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the dispensing apparatus of FIG. 1 at a second stage of dispensing;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the dispensing apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 at a third stage of dispensing;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a dispensing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention at a first stage of dispensing;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the dispensing apparatus of FIG. 4 at a second stage of dispensing; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the dispensing apparatus of FIGS. 4 and 5 at a third stage of dispensing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a dispensing apparatus or dispenser, generally indicated at 10. The dispenser 10 is configured to provide a cleansing wipe or web to a user. For example, the dispenser 10 may be installed in a workplace where workers' hands are likely to become soiled due to their work, and so cleansing wipes or webs are often required. Alternatively, the dispenser 10 may be for dispensing wipes for use in patient care, or for surface cleaning in e.g. hospitals, or food preparation or serving areas, or some other suitable application where cleansing wipes are commonly used.

The dispenser 10 has a web 12 to be dispensed to the user and a reservoir 14 of cleansing liquor to be applied to the web 12 prior to dispensing. The web 12 is in this embodiment supplied in the form of a replaceable reel 13 of web material from which a predetermined length is cut. The reel 13 is rotatably supported within the dispenser 10 on a support structure 15. Web material 12 from the reel 13 is fed through the dispenser by means of a feed mechanism 42.

The feed mechanism 42 of this embodiment is in the form of two pairs of feed rollers 44. Each pair of rollers 44 is linked by a belt 46. One of the rollers 44 a is rotated by an actuator (not shown) so as to draw the web 12 through the rollers 44. The remaining rollers 44 are able to freely rotate as the web 12 is drawn between them. The belts 46 support and guide the web 12, whilst allowing liquor to be applied thereto.

In this embodiment, the liquor reservoir 14 is in the form of a replaceable cartridge, so that the dispenser 10 can be easily restocked when the reservoir 14 is empty. The liquor of this embodiment is a suitable hygienic formulation with an antibacterial agent such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. Other suitable formulations may be used, depending on the particular application of the dispenser. Two or more liquors may be combined. For example, two or more liquor reservoirs may be used within the dispenser 10. Liquor from these reservoirs may be mixed before application to the web 12, or may be applied to the web 12 separately.

The dispenser 10 also has a liquor actuator 16 arranged to apply liquor to the web 12, and an air actuator 18 arranged to direct air through the web 12 where the liquor has been applied. Directing air through the web 12 causes foam 20 to be generated on the web 12 where the liquor was applied. Advantageously, this removes the need for additional foam-generating components and foam-transferring components.

The liquor actuator 16 is in this embodiment a piston 16 within a chamber 22. The liquor reservoir 14 is connected to the chamber 22 via a one way valve 24, such that as the piston 16 is retracted from the chamber 22 a vacuum is created within the chamber 22, and liquor is drawn from the reservoir 14, through the valve 24 and into the chamber 22. The piston 16 is arranged to draw a predetermined amount of liquor into the chamber 22. FIG. 1 shows the dispenser 10 with the actuator 16 in a retracted position, and the chamber 22 filled with liquor.

The air actuator 18 is in this embodiment a piston 18 within a chamber 26. The chamber 26 is connected to the atmosphere via a one way valve 28, such that as the piston 18 is retracted from the chamber 26 a vacuum is created within the chamber 26, and air is drawn from the atmosphere through the valve 28 and into the chamber 26. Air can be drawn from the atmosphere without treatment as the active ingredients of the liquor (e.g. alcohol or antimicrobial ingredients) negate the need for cleaning the air. In alternative embodiments, the air is purified or otherwise treated prior to use. In alternative embodiments, some other suitable gas may be used in place of or in addition to air.

In use, the pistons 16, 18 expel liquor and air from the respective chambers 22, 26 to the web 12 as required, as described in further detail below.

In this embodiment, the dispenser 10 has multiple liquor outlets, one of which is indicated at 30, through which liquor is applied to the web 12. A liquor conduit 32 connects the chamber 22 to the liquor outlets 30. In this embodiment, the liquor outlets 30 are arranged to abut, or to substantially abut, the web 12, such that liquor is expelled from the outlets 30 on to the web 12 when the piston 16 expels liquor from the chamber 22. The web 12 is thus impregnated with liquor. The valve 24 prevents liquor leaving the chamber 22 except via the conduit 32.

In this embodiment, there are five liquor outlets 30 arranged so as to evenly distribute liquor across the web 12. In an alternative embodiment, there are more or fewer outlets 30. There may be a single outlet 30.

The dispenser 10 has multiple air outlets, one of which is indicated at 34, through which air is directed through the web 12 in order to generate foam from the liquor. An air conduit 36 connects the chamber 26 to the air outlets 34. The valve 28 prevents air leaving the chamber 28 except via the conduit 36.

In this embodiment, there are five air outlets 34 arranged so as to evenly direct air through the web 12, so that foam is generated evenly across the web 12. In an alternative embodiment, there are more or fewer outlets 34. There may be a single outlet 34.

In this embodiment, the air outlets 34 are separate to the liquor outlets 30, so that air is directed through the web 12 separately to liquor being applied to the web 12. The web 12 is fed through the dispenser 10 such that it passes the liquor outlets 30 prior to passing the air outlets 34, as described in further detail below, so that air is directed through the web 12 to generate foam after liquor has been applied to the web 12.

The structure of the web 12 is configured so as to generate foam when air is forced through liquor on the web 12. In this embodiment, the web 12 is a porous non-woven web suitable for the generation of foam. In this embodiment, the web 12 is a thermally bonded blend of 85% polypropylene and 15% viscose. In alternative embodiments, other suitable non-woven materials may be used. For example, the web 12 may be spunbonded, meltblown, chemically bonded, dry laid or spunlace material.

In this embodiment, the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web 12 to that of the air directed through the web 12 is between 1:4 and 1:50. In another embodiment, the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web 12 to that of the air directed through the web 12 is between 1:8 and 1:16. This ratio leads to a suitable foam 20, namely a foam that is strong enough (i.e. not too wet) yet isn't too dry to be useful for cleansing purposes.

The dispenser 10 of this embodiment has an activation mechanism 38 that is used to operate the dispenser 10. The activation mechanism 38 of this embodiment is in the form of a manually operated actuator 40, such as a lever, that is configured to operate the pistons 16, 18 and the web feed, via the roller 44 a, when operated by the user.

The actuator 40 is connected to the pistons 16, 18, such that operation of the actuator 40 by a user results in activation of the pistons 16, 18. Actuation of the pistons 16, 18 and the roller 44 a is co-ordinated, so that the roller 44 a feeds the web 12 through the dispenser as the pistons 16, 18 are activated and the web 12 arrives in the correct position in time for liquor to be applied thereon and air to be blown therethrough.

In this embodiment, the activation mechanism 38 includes a resiliently biased member such as a compression spring (not shown) configured to resiliently bias the actuator 40 and the pistons 16, 18 towards a first, “ready” position, e.g. as shown in FIG. 1, so that the dispenser 10 is ready for use.

In an alternative embodiment, the actuator is an electronic actuator, and is connected to a control unit that activates a web feed motor when an electronic button is pushed, or when a user's presence is detected by a sensor, e.g. an optical sensor. The web feed motor then rotates the roller 44 a to draw the web 12 through the rollers 44. The pistons may also be electronically actuated, and controlled via the control unit.

In this embodiment, the liquor outlets 30 are arranged to apply liquor over a predetermined area that does not cover the whole of the web 12. The web feed and the pistons 16, 18 are configured so that application of the liquor does not continue throughout the whole of the feeding of the web past the liquor outlets 30. That is, in this embodiment, application of liquor onto the web 12 starts only when the leading edge of the web 12 has passed the outlets 30, and stops before the following edge of the web 12 passes the outlets 30. In this way, the web 12 retains a dry perimeter of a pre-determined width, advantageously making use of the web 12 easier. In an alternative embodiment, substantially the whole of the web 12 may have liquor applied thereto.

The dispenser 10 includes a cutting mechanism 48 configured to cut a predetermined length of web 12. In this embodiment, the cutting mechanism 48 is located beyond the liquor outlets 30 and the air outlets 34, so that the web 12 is severed from the reel 13 after foam 20 has been generated thereon. In an alternative embodiment, the web 12 is severed from the reel 13 before foam has been generated.

The cutting mechanism 48 of this embodiment has a corresponding, opposing pair of blades 50, through which the web 12 is fed. The blades 50 are resiliently biased towards one another so that they are closed (e.g. as shown in FIG. 1) until the dispenser 10 is operated. The blades 50 are in this embodiment connected to and operated by the activation mechanism 38. Upon operation of the actuator 40 by the user, the blades 50 are opened, allowing the web 12 to be fed between the blades 50. Once foam 20 has been generated on the web 12 and a predetermined length of the web 12 has been fed between the blades 50, the blades 50 are returned to the closed position by the return of the activation mechanism 38 to the ready position as described above. Advantageously, closing the blades 50 closes off the interior of the dispenser 10, decreasing the likelihood of contamination.

In an alternative, electronic embodiment, the control unit activates opening of the blades 50 via a motor.

In use, the dispenser 10 awaits operation in the first stage or ready position shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the second stage, on activation of the dispenser 10 by a user by means of the actuator 40. The actuator 40 is pushed in the direction indicated by arrow x, i.e. towards the body of the dispenser 10, activating web feed by means of the roller 44 a, and causing the pistons 16, 18 to move up within their respective chambers 22, 26 in the direction x. The blades 50 open. The reel 13 is rotated in the direction indicated by arrow y as the web feed draws the web 12 past the liquor and air outlets 30, 34 and between the blades 50.

Actuation of the pistons 16, 18 by the actuator 40 causes liquor and air to be expelled from the chambers 22, 26 and to pass through the conduits 32, 36. The liquor and air are forced through the outlets 30, 34 due to the pressure of the pistons 16, 18. The liquor is applied to the predetermined area of the web 12. Air is then forced through the web 12 over the predetermined area, so that foam 20 is generated over that predetermined area.

FIG. 3 shows the third stage. The web 12, with foam 20 at the predetermined area, has been fed between the blades 50. The blades 50 return to their closed position in the direction of arrows z, severing the web 12. The chambers 22, 26 are substantially empty of liquor or air respectively, with the pistons 16, 18 moved to their full extent within the chambers 22, 26.

On release of the actuator 40, the resiliently biased member of the activation mechanism 38 will work to return the actuator 40 and the pistons 16, 18 in the direction of arrow a to the ready position of FIG. 1. As described above, as the pistons 16, 18 are withdrawn from the chambers 22, 26, the chambers 22, 26 will be refilled with liquor or air respectively. The dispenser 10 is thus returned to the ready position of FIG. 1, and is prepared for the next user.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. Features corresponding to those of the first embodiment have been given corresponding reference numbers with the additional prefix “1”. Only features that differ from those of the first embodiment are discussed in more depth.

The dispenser 110 of this embodiment has a single outlet 152 through which liquor is applied to the web and air is directed through the web 112. The liquor and air are in this embodiment mixed before being applied to/directed through the web 112. The conduits 132, 136 extend from the chambers 122, 126 to a mixing chamber 154. There, the liquor and air are mixed to form an air-infused composition. Pressure from the pistons 116, 118 forces the liquor and air composition through the outlet 152 to the web, 112 where the composition is applied to/through the web 112 to create foam 120.

In an alternative embodiment, multiple outlets 152 expel the liquor/air mixture to the web 112. For example, multiple outlets 152 extend from the mixing chamber 154 to the web 112, or there are multiple mixing chambers 154.

Advantageously, as with the previous embodiment, no additional components are needed to create or transport foam 120.

In alternative embodiments, a combination of manual and electronic actuation of the pistons, web feed and blades is used. 

1. A dispensing apparatus for providing a web for cleansing, the apparatus comprising: a web; a liquor reservoir; a liquor actuator for applying liquor from the reservoir to the web at a predetermined location; and an air actuator which directs air through the web at the predetermined location causing foam to be generated from the liquor.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a liquor outlet through which liquor is applied to the web and a separate air outlet through which air is directed through the web.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an outlet through which liquor is applied to the web and air is directed through the web.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web is between 1:4 and 1:50.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web is between 1:8 and 1:16.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an activation mechanism configured to operate the liquor actuator and the air actuator.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6 further comprising a feed mechanism configured to feed the web through the apparatus, wherein the activation mechanism is configured to operate the feed mechanism, and wherein the activation mechanism is configured to actuate generation of foam substantially simultaneously to web feed.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the predetermined location does not extend over the whole of the web.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the predetermined location is substantially towards the centre of the web, such that the web has a dry perimeter where foam is not generated.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a reel of web material from which the web is fed.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1 comprising a cutting mechanism configured to cut a predetermined length of web.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 2 wherein the web is fed from a reel and wherein the cutting mechanism is located beyond the or each outlet in the direction of movement of the web.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the cutting mechanism comprising a corresponding pair of blades positioned either side of the web.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising an activation mechanism configured to operate the liquor actuator and the air actuator, wherein the cutting mechanism is operated by the activation mechanism.
 15. An apparatus according to any preceeding claim wherein the web is supplied in the form of a replaceable reel from which a pre-determined length is cut, and wherein the web is fed through the apparatus such that it passes the liquor actuator prior to passing the air actuator.
 16. A method of providing a web for cleansing, comprising the steps of: a) providing a web; b) applying a liquor to the web at a predetermined location; and c) directing air through the web at the predetermined location so as to generate foam from the liquor.
 17. A method according to claim 16 wherein steps b) and c) take place substantially concurrently.
 18. A method according to claim 16 wherein the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web is between 1:4 and 1:50.
 19. A method according to claim 18 wherein the ratio of the volume of liquor applied to the web to air directed through the web is between 1:8 and 1:16.
 20. A method according to claim 16 further comprising the steps of: d) feeding the web through a cutting mechanism; and e) cutting a predetermined length of web. 